A draft update to the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct is slated to be released early next year with an invitation for feedback from both industries.

The voluntary code launched in 2006 and is overseen by the Insurance Council of Australia and Motor Trades Association of Australia. It was last reviewed in 2017.

The update follows 15 recommendations from independent reviewer Michael Schaper, including a “thorough” rewrite to address “vague” wordings, and sanctions for non-compliance. 

A first draft by MST Lawyers, which was appointed to write the updated code, has been received by the Code of Conduct Administration Committee.

“The [committee] is now in a position to provide its feedback to MST Lawyers, to enable broader industry consultation. This will include the opportunity for ICA and MTAA members to review the draft,” committee chair George Manos said.

The committee originally intended to issue a draft to industry this year, but talks have been lengthy, he says.

“While we are very close to finalising it, we have recognised the importance of carefully working through each element of the code to closer align both sides. This process of negotiation has taken time and ensures that the consultation draft is both workable and takes steps to address industry’s concerns.

“We look forward to receiving feedback on this important document in the near future.”

Dr Schaper’s report can be found here.

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